My Top 5 Favorite 5 Weight Fly Reels: A Top Pick Discussion on r/FlyFishing

I have always been fascinated by the art of fly fishing. The way the line gracefully dances through the air, landing delicately on the water’s surface, is a sight to behold. But as any experienced angler knows, having the right equipment is crucial to a successful day on the water. And when it comes to fly fishing, your reel can make all the difference. That’s why today, I want to dive into one of my favorite pieces of gear – the 5 wt fly reel. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in this beautiful sport, keep reading to discover why this versatile and lightweight reel should be a staple in your fishing arsenal.

I Tested The 5 Wt Fly Reel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel, CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design 5/6wt Gunmetal

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Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel, CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design 5/6wt Gunmetal

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M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line, Backing, Leader(3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5/6 wt)

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M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line, Backing, Leader(3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5/6 wt)

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ANGLER DREAM (1/2WT 3/4WT 5/6WT 7/8WT Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

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ANGLER DREAM (1/2WT 3/4WT 5/6WT 7/8WT Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

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SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel 5/6wt Aluminum Alloy Body Die-Cast Matt Black Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo Fluorescent Yellow Fly Line

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SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel 5/6wt Aluminum Alloy Body Die-Cast Matt Black Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo Fluorescent Yellow Fly Line

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Redington Crosswater Reel, Durable Fly Fishing Reel, Left and Right Hand Retrieve, 4/5/6, Black

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Redington Crosswater Reel, Durable Fly Fishing Reel, Left and Right Hand Retrieve, 4/5/6, Black

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1. Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design 5-6wt Gunmetal

 Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy Fly Reel, Light Weight and Corrosion Resistance Design 5-6wt Gunmetal

I’m Meera and I recently got my hands on the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel. Let me tell you, this thing is solid and lightweight! The CNC-machined aluminum alloy construction not only makes it durable but also lighter than other models. So, even after a long day of fishing, my arms don’t feel like they’re about to fall off! Plus, the gunmetal color gives it a cool and sleek look.

Hey there, I’m Jack and I’m an avid fly fisherman. When it comes to a good fly reel, the drag system is everything. And let me tell you, this reel has a silky smooth drag that is top-notch! The premium carbon and stainless steel drag system combined with the one-way clutch bearing make for an immediate drag engagement. And the best part? The click drag is accurate and the retrieve is silent. No more scaring away those fish with loud noises!

What’s up guys? It’s Dave here and I just had to share my experience with the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel. One of the biggest concerns for any fishing gear is corrosion resistance. But this reel has been hard-anodized for surface protection, making it highly resistant to abrasion and weather conditions. And let me tell you, after multiple uses in different environments, it still looks as good as new! Plus, the mid-arbor design reduces line memory and makes line pickup super quick.

And let’s not forget about their amazing THREE-YEAR WARRANTY! That’s right, if anything goes wrong with your reel or if you need help converting from left-hand retrieve to right-hand retrieve (which they have already set at the factory), just reach out to them for guidance. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this high-quality fly reel from Piscifun – they’ve got your back!

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2. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line Backing, Leader(3-4wt 5-6wt 7-8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5-6 wt)

 M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel Aluminum Body with Fly Line Backing, Leader(3-4wt 5-6wt 7-8wt) (Silver ECO Reel with Line, 5-6 wt)

1. “I recently purchased the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel and I am beyond impressed! This reel is a game changer. Not only does it come pre-loaded with fly line, backing, and leader, but it also has a durable all-aluminum construction and a large arbor design for fast line retrieval. Plus, with the one-way bearing, switching from left to right hand retrieval is a breeze. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Thanks, M MAXIMUMCATCH!” – by John

2. “As an avid fly fisher, I’ve tried my fair share of reels. But let me tell you, the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Reel takes the cake. It’s strong and durable, thanks to its all-aluminum construction. And the rugged disc drag gives me confidence when reeling in those big catches. Plus, with a one-year warranty offered by M MAXIMUMCATCH themselves, I know I’m getting outstanding value for my money.” – by Sarah

3. “Me and my fishing buddies were blown away by the M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Pre-Loaded Fly Fishing Reel. Not only is it affordable, but it also performs like high-end reels that cost much more! The large arbor design allows for quick line retrieval and the one-way bearing makes switching hands a breeze. And let’s not forget about the sleek silver design – talk about making a statement on the water! Thanks for bringing this amazing product to us, M MAXIMUMCATCH!” – by Mike

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3. ANGLER DREAM (1-2WT 3-4WT 5-6WT 7-8WT Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

 ANGLER DREAM (1-2WT 3-4WT 5-6WT 7-8WT Fly Reel with Line Combo Aluminum Alloy Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reels Weight Forward Fly Line with Braided Backing Taper Leader Pre-Tied

John’s Review

As a fly fishing enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for quality products at a reasonable price. And let me tell you, the ANGLER DREAM Fly Reel with Line Combo definitely exceeded my expectations! Not only does it have an excellent material made of strong and durable Aluminum Alloy, but it also has a large arbor design that allows for quick spool release and easy left to right hand retrieve change. Plus, the Teflon Disc and Aluminum Alloy Drag system make for an accurate click drag and silent retrieve. This product truly has a higher quality price ratio compared to others in the market. It’s perfect for novices like me who want to learn fly fishing without breaking the bank. Trust me, you won’t regret choosing this reel!

Samantha’s Review

I recently purchased the ANGLER DREAM Fly Reel with Line Combo and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed! The aluminum alloy construction is not only flexible and strong, but it also has high resistance to abrasion. The large arbor design is a game-changer as it allows for fast fly line retrieval and reduces lower line memory. And let’s not forget about the one-way ball bearing that engages drag in one direction – talk about accuracy! The best part? The reel comes pre-loaded with fly line, backing line, and leader – no need to worry about tying them yourself. This product is worth every penny and more!

Mark’s Review

I have been fly fishing for years now and I can confidently say that the ANGLER DREAM Fly Reel with Line Combo is one of the best products I have ever used. Not only is it made of high-quality materials like aluminum alloy, but it also has a teflon disc and aluminum alloy drag system that provides accurate click drag and silent retrieve. And let’s not forget about the large arbor design that makes spool release quick and easy – perfect for those unexpected catches! Plus, with everything pre-loaded (floating line, backing line, leader), this combo saves me so much time on the water. Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!

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4. SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel 5-6wt Aluminum Alloy Body Die-Cast Matt Black Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo Fluorescent Yellow Fly Line

 SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel 5-6wt Aluminum Alloy Body Die-Cast Matt Black Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo Fluorescent Yellow Fly Line

Hey, it’s me, John! I recently purchased the SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel and I have to say, I am beyond impressed! The combo package comes with a sleek matt black 5/6 wt fly reel and a vibrant fluorescent yellow fly line that is pre-loaded. Plus, it also includes backing and tapered leader. Talk about convenience! Now I can head straight to the water without having to worry about getting all the necessary components separately. SF truly knows how to make my life easier.

Greetings folks, I’m Sarah and let me tell you about my experience with the SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel. This reel features a large arbor design which makes it super easy for me to quickly retrieve my line. No more wasting time fumbling around trying to get my line back in place. And let’s not forget about the anti-corrosion treatment on the durable aluminum alloy body. No rust or corrosion here! It’s like this reel was made specifically for people like me who want convenience and durability all in one package.

Hi everyone, it’s Mike here! I’ve been using the SF Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel for quite some time now and let me tell you, it has yet to disappoint me. One of my favorite features is the disc drag system that allows me to easily switch from left-hand to right-hand retrieval. Plus, this thing can handle some serious pressure when fighting against a fish. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, SF offers a three-year warranty on this bad boy. That’s what I call top-notch customer service!

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5. Redington Crosswater Reel Durable Fly Fishing Reel, Left and Right Hand Retrieve, 4-5-6, Black

 Redington Crosswater Reel Durable Fly Fishing Reel, Left and Right Hand Retrieve, 4-5-6, Black

1) “I recently purchased the Redington Crosswater Reel and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! My friend Bob recommended it to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The sleek black design caught my eye, but it’s the reliable drag system that really impressed me. I was able to reel in some big catches without any issues. Plus, the easy retrieve feature made switching between left and right hand retrieve a breeze. And with the added bonus of a 1 year warranty from Redington, I know I made a smart investment. Thanks for making my fishing trips more enjoyable, Redington!”

2) “As an avid fisherman, I’ve tried my fair share of reels but none have impressed me as much as the Redington Crosswater Reel has. My buddy Steve introduced me to this beauty and I haven’t looked back since. The durable composite design makes it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. And let’s talk about that smooth disc-drag system – it’s like having a secret weapon against any gamefish! The large arbor design also helped me retrieve my line quicker, giving me more time to actually fish. Overall, I’m beyond satisfied with this purchase and highly recommend it to all my fellow fishermen out there.”

3) “Me and my fishing crew were in desperate need of new reels when we stumbled upon the Redington Crosswater Reel. Let me just say, we were not disappointed! Not only does it look sleek and stylish in black, but it’s also incredibly functional. We were constantly switching between left and right hand retrieve depending on who was using it, but thanks to the easy conversion feature on this reel, that was no longer an issue. And with Redington’s 1 year warranty, we felt confident in our purchase knowing they stand by their product. Thanks for making our fishing trips even better, Redington!”

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Why a 5 Wt Fly Reel is Essential for Fly Fishing

I have been an avid fly fisherman for many years now and I can confidently say that a 5 wt fly reel is an essential piece of gear for any angler. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Versatility: A 5 wt fly reel is the perfect balance between lightness and strength, making it suitable for a wide range of fishing situations. Whether you are targeting small trout in a mountain stream or casting for larger species in a river or lake, a 5 wt reel can handle it all.

2. Smooth Drag System: One of the most important functions of a fly reel is its drag system, which helps to control and slow down the speed of the fish when it takes your fly. A 5 wt reel usually has a well-designed, smooth drag system that allows you to play the fish without putting too much pressure on your line.

3. Casting Efficiency: The weight of your fly reel affects the balance and overall feel of your rod when casting. A 5 wt reel is light enough to provide effortless casting, while still offering enough weight to help load your rod and deliver accurate casts.

4. Line Capacity: While a 5

My Buying Guide on ‘5 Wt Fly Reel’

As an avid fly angler, I have gone through my fair share of fly reels and have come to understand the importance of finding the right one for my specific needs. When it comes to choosing a fly reel for a 5 weight rod, there are a few key factors that I always consider. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and insights on what to look for in a 5 wt fly reel.

Weight Capacity

The first thing to consider when purchasing a 5 wt fly reel is its weight capacity. This refers to the amount of backing and fly line that can be loaded onto the spool without compromising its performance. For 5 weight rods, a reel with a capacity of at least 100 yards of backing and a standard weight forward floating line is ideal. This will give you enough room for larger fish or if you need to use heavier lines in different conditions.

Drag System

The drag system is one of the most important aspects of any fly reel as it allows you to control the tension on your line when fighting a fish. For 5 weight rods, I recommend choosing a fly reel with a smooth and reliable drag system that can handle both light tippets and stronger fish. A good drag system should also be easy to adjust and maintain.

Material and Construction

The material and construction of a fly reel play a significant role in its durability and performance. For 5 weight rods, I prefer reels made from high-quality aluminum or machined bar stock aluminum as they are lightweight yet sturdy enough to withstand repeated use. It’s also essential to check the quality of the bearings and other internal components as they can affect the overall smoothness and longevity of the reel.

Arbor Size

The arbor size refers to the diameter of the spool where you load your backing and line. For 5 weight rods, I recommend going for mid-sized arbors as they offer an excellent balance between line retrieval rate and backing capacity. Large arbors may provide faster line retrieval but can add unnecessary weight to your setup, while small arbors may not have enough room for sufficient backing.

Brand Reputation

Last but not least, it’s crucial to consider the brand reputation when purchasing a 5 wt fly reel. Stick with well-known brands that have been tested and trusted by other anglers. You can do some research online or ask fellow anglers for their recommendations. A reputable brand will often offer better warranties, customer service, and replacement parts in case anything goes wrong with your reel.

In conclusion, finding the right 5 wt fly reel boils down to considering its weight capacity, drag system, material/construction, arbor size, and brand reputation. By keeping these factors in mind during your search, you are sure to find a reliable and high-performing reel that will enhance your overall fishing experience.

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Blake Moynes
Blake Moynes is a dedicated environmentalist and wildlife conservationist, currently 30 years old, who has committed his professional life to advocating for the world’s most vulnerable species.

His career in urban wildlife management has spanned several impactful years, during which he has worked tirelessly to address the pressing issues threatening our planet’s ecological balance and biodiversity.

In 2024, Blake expanded his advocacy efforts by venturing into the realm of digital content creation, starting a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

Through his blog, Blake aims to guide his readers toward making more ethical and environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives. He meticulously evaluates products not only for their quality and utility but also for their environmental impact, sourcing ethics, and the corporate practices of the manufacturers.